A new start at Novella: One of our new residents, Richard, tells us his inspiring story about moving into his home

One of our new residents at Novella, Richard tells us his inspiring story about moving into his home

How do you feel about your new home? 

It’s such an amazing flat, I still look at it today and think how did this happen? Having spent a couple of years in a Camden hostel it’s all pretty amazing.

I was expecting something run down – it could have been anywhere and it’s just so nice!  I love the windows from the ceiling to the floor. It’s amazing.

How have things changed for you since moving in?

The impact has been so huge.

I’m starting to rebuild my life! I was in the hostel for two years, where you can’t really do anything. Now, I can plan my life; going back to work eventually, or going back into education. It’s amazing – it’s another world for me and I feel free. 

It saved my life, literally. 

How was the process of moving in?

The whole journey has been amazing. I was street homeless for a while as a result of multiple circumstances. The contrast to that is incredible. I couldn’t believe it, the design, the construction and living in a brand new development shocked me. I was even more shocked when I got here and settled in.

Are you enjoying your new home and the area it’s in, what are the highlights?

It’s like living in another world, I was walking around. I walked through the development and couldn’t believe the fountains and waterfalls. It’s amazing to see what they’ve done with it.  Where I’d been living before, there’s nowhere to relax and sit down. All of the architecture is incredible around here and there are lots of green spaces.

Alex from the Lettings Team helped ensure I had a sofa for the lounge which has now arrived and Camden also bought me a fridge and cooker. It’s such an amazing place, it really doesn’t need much!

A big thank you to Richard for taking the time to share his story with us.